"Texas’ Fix After Blackout Doesn’t Dwell On Climate Change"

"AUSTIN, Texas — Texas’ biggest fix to February’s deadly winter blackout that left more than 4 million people without power puts new attention on projections by the state’s climatologist but does not dwell on climate change after a deep freeze buckled the state’s unprepared electric grid.

A far-reaching bill sent Sunday night to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott would require some power generators to winterize against extreme cold following one of the most massive blackouts in U.S. history. Experts praised some reforms as significant but say concessions to Texas’ powerful oil and gas industry still leaves the grid vulnerable.

At least 151 people died in the winter storm and ensuing blackout, according to the tally kept by state officials, although the actual number of victims is widely believed to be much larger."

Paul J. Weber reports for the Associated Press May 31, 2021.

SEE ALSO:

"Texas Gov Knew Of Natural Gas Shortages Days Before Blackout, Blamed Wind Anyway" (Ars Technica)

"Experts Say Texas Is Missing Chance to Avert Deadly Blackouts" (Insurance Journal)

"Months After Texas Blackouts, Critics Say Lawmakers Aren't Doing Enough" (NPR)

Source: AP, 06/01/2021